THE RETURN

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV) “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

For the believer in Christ, the above scriptures represent what is referred to as “The Blessed Hope”. Christ returning will take place at an undisclosed time. Anyone who tries to tell you they know when Christ is returning for the church is mistaken. Scripture tells us that no one knows, not even the Son.

Mark 13:26 (NIV) “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”

Mark 13:32-34 (NIV) “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.”

This is wonderful news. It provides hope to those who struggle. It is the light at the end of the tunnel. It also should cause us to look inward.

Mark 13:35-36 (NIV) “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.”

Be aware that you will not be able to redeem the time that has been lost on frivolous endeavors. By all means, live your life to the fullest, but always be mindful that some day unknown to us Christ will return. Do not be caught napping. Keep your focus sharp and clear. Do not deliberate regarding that which is appropriate or not appropriate to be doing. You know how you are to act, what you are to say, how you are to think. Be like Christ so that when He returns you may recognize Him. Strive for perfection without any hope of achieving it in this life. Seek to bless others more so than to bless yourselves. And do not give for the sole purpose of receiving back from God, but give expecting nothing in return. It is this humble spirit that is emblematic of a Christ-like life. Treat others the way you wish to be treated, regardless of how they treat you in return. For you are judged not by the actions of others, but by your own actions alone. Bless and do not curse. Be God’s hand extended whenever possible. You will never regret acting this way, for it is Kingdom living at its best and is what will change the hearts of men to turn towards God.

WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!